front deraileur question:

Often depends on your frame. Some frames will only fit one or the other. The need for top swing (low clamp) derailleurs stemmed from full suspension bikes, although many FS rigs use bottom swing (high clamp) derailleurs.

If given the choice, I prefer traditional bottom swing units. The use fewer pivots, sturdier linkages, and better cage support.

Compare the two types side by side and you'll instantly identify the top swing weak points -- the excessive reliance on stamped metal construction and multiple tiny pivots -- that cause them to bend and fail in mysterious ways while bottom swing units seemingly run forever.

Often depends on your frame. Some frames will only fit one or the other. The need for top swing (low clamp) derailleurs stemmed from full suspension bikes, although many FS rigs use bottom swing (high clamp) derailleurs.

If given the choice, I prefer traditional bottom swing units. The use fewer pivots, sturdier linkages, and better cage support.

Compare the two types side by side and you'll instantly identify the top swing weak points -- the excessive reliance on stamped metal construction and multiple tiny pivots -- that cause them to bend and fail in mysterious ways while bottom swing units seemingly run forever.

From every one I've seen, the stamped construction is the only way they can make a top swing work. There's so little room between the seat tube and the chainrings that it'd be tough to insert something beefier.

Compare your top swing to this photo of this high clamp Hone I recently got rid of on ebay. Note how the swing arms are forged, the pivots go all the way through, and the cage is held at both the outer and the inner plates. There's no comparison -- this beats a low clamp every time.